Janice & Co.Hacienda’s GardenJanice and Luz of the SPCAPV
20 years ago my Mother, Janice Chatterton, began the creation of the Hacienda San Angel. The evolution over the years has been nothing short of amazing especially considering it was never planned. In grief after losing her only son, she poured herself into two passions; rescuing dogs and looking for antiques. Pursuing her two greatest passions in trying to soothe her grief, she found a new purpose in life, and wa la…the Hacienda San Angel and the SPCAPV were born.
For 2 decades now, people have been arriving through our large wooden doors, whipping out their cameras in surprise as they try to capture the unexpected beauty that greets them, receiving delicious signature welcome drinks upon arrival, been pampered by attentive staff, basked in shadows of elegant colonial Mexican architecture, refreshed in one or all of 3 pools, been appreciating antique furnishings, lounging in luxury linens, enjoying the mountain and bay vistas, oh and petting the dogs. Couples have been engaged and married here, people have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries here, our space has been adorned with romance and joy many times over. There’s even been times the Hacienda served as a sanctuary to animals and people in distress. The Hacienda San Angel became an oasis for both people and animals.
This is a bittersweet time to honor and celebrate Mom and the Hacienda San Angel. What Mom created deserves to be celebrated on its 20th anniversary; it was such an unexpected, unplanned but wonderful accomplishment. However it is with a mixture of sadness that she is not here to be celebrated herself. We lost my beloved mother, grandmother and creator of the Hacienda San Angel in 2019 without any warning at all. Now, somewhat recovered from the shock but never the same since without her, the family strives to preserve, protect and continue what she created in her memory.
The Hacienda San Angel also served as a sanctuary for more than 50 dogs during a hurricane one year. Mom was absolutely passionate about dogs insisting they were more loyal than most humans. She was followed by 8, sometimes a dozen dogs wherever she walked throughout the venue. People who didn’t like dogs in the restaurant were asked to leave. The dogs trumped. She started one of the first animal rescues in Puerto Vallarta and over 20 years, with the help of many caring volunteers, created a network of adoptive homes in Canada and the US. Volunteers who would take dogs to their new furrever homes were given complimentary stays at the hotel in appreciation and we continue to do this still as she would want.
In the spirit of celebrating the Hacienda and it’s patrons we have a couple of offers:
For the month of February Only
A celebratory drink on the house, please clink your glass and “Salud” my Mom and Hacienda San Angel.
20% off any reservation made for stay during 2023.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta? Enjoy Every Minute! Puerto Vallarta is humming with preparations. Come play in paradise. Only if you are looking for sun, fun and relaxation! If enjoying every minute is your goal. Then let it be a reality in beautiful Puerto Vallarta! Dinner on the Pirate Ship? How about spectacular nightly fireworks? Take in an ATV ride through the jungle! Not just snorkeling, lets go zip lining! A visit to the Botanical Gardens is a must. Whale watching, a day at the beach, or cruise along the Malecon Boardwalk. Visit art galleries, and take in live shows in various venues. The people of Puerto Vallarta are amazingly rich in kindness. Welcoming in sharing historical information about their community. They love to provide enjoyment to visitors. And eagerly await your arrival. With an abundance of options for your time away.
Nestled high above the narrow cobblestone streets, one of the world’s most elegant and romantic boutique luxury hotel experiences awaits. Hacienda San Angel surrounds its visitors with the genteel charm of Mexican Colonial architecture and turn-of-the-century furnishings. Don’t wait; book your stay at the Hacienda San Angel. If we cannot accommodate your stay. Be sure to stop by for dinner. We will deliver you a wonderful dining experience. With live music to add to your list of experiences in Puerto Vallarta!
The holidays are upon us and so are visitors to Puerto Vallarta. The town is alive with visitors and locals enjoying one another. People are enjoying our town and surrounding landscape from the Sierra Madres to the Pacific coast that hug our lovely town of Puerto Vallarta.
We are in full recovery mode from Covid and Hurricane Nora. People are smiling, busy and enthusiastically embracing the holiday. Christmas is such a special time full of wonderful smells, sounds, foods, processions, festivities and people enjoying one another.
Our hearts are swelling with the rejuvenation that is happening and we are happily welcoming visitors to town and Hacienda San Angel. It feels so good to be delivering enjoyment and happiness once again. The weather is great and fun is around every corner; food tours, snorkeling, ATV jungle rides, tequila tasting, botanical gardens, beaches, ziplines, live evening music and plays just to name a few! We are all so ready for this, right?!
Hacienda San Angel wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season and a new year full of love, laughter, good health and success in your endeavors. We remind everyone to count your blessings no matter how small!
What a year we have been through. We went from complete closures of businesses to an unpredictable influx of visitors during what is normally considered low season followed by a renewed fear of covid and most recently hurricane Nora.
Thankfully, the beautiful people of Puerto Vallarta are a resilient people. The friendliness, the smiles, the kindness and willingness to work together to recover never ceased. I am in awe as none of this has been easy.
Puerto Vallarta’s landscape continues to be a source of beauty and soothing as it always has. The rivers, the ocean, the diversity of animals and flora bring such enjoyment to locals and visitors alike. Puerto Vallarta is truly a healing place.
Learning to live in the world with its risks in a way that allows freedom of movement again is imperative. I’ve been so heartened by the many visitors taking back their independence from the hostage taking that covid created. I was less enthusiastic initially when I was required to fly during the height of the pandemic, but since I had to do so, I determinedly came up with ways to be around others “safely” and it has opened up my life again to be able to do so. Gracias a Dios for the vaccine! That has definitely taken off the edge of fear.
Here at the Hacienda San Angel it has been my mission for more than a year to keep everyone who works or visits here safe while maintaining the ambience of serenity and beauty. I don’t want to participate in keeping the virus passing but I also don’t think we can continue to isolate. We have to be in the world in a smarter and safer way. I am practicing what I am preaching here at the Hacienda.
We will keep you safe if you come visit the Hacienda.
I am hopeful for the future as my preferred mode of operation. This is the most optimal mindset in order to discover the possibilities for things to get better.
From my heart to you dear reader, mask up, vaccinate, learn how to play without sharing germs! It really can be done.
Puerto Vallarta and the Hacienda San Angel are buzzing with activity and happiness again. The Hacienda San Angel and many others in the city of Puerto Vallarta survived and we are humbly grateful that we were able to open our doors again and stay open.
What a year. Tourism is back; the joy for travelers and workers in the travel industry are palpable. Whatever your stance on the covid vaccines is, they have made it possible for people to travel and work again. The resiliency of our staff at the Hacienda during a year of little to no work at times was remarkable to me. I witnessed true generosity and kindness between people when there were little resources to go around. Now I am surrounded by those same smiles and helpful gestures but they are lighter and filled with the joy of travelers again.
It took almost a year to write about traveling, about the Hacienda San Angel and Puerto Vallarta again. Each time the thought of writing about it all only brought forth feelings of sadness and ongoing uncertainty about the future. But now…
Travel and adventure are back on the radar bringing relief and joy to so many. The birds are singing amidst the trickling sounds of the fountains as people are strolling in or out to enjoy the beauty of our venue and surrounding Puerto Vallarta. Guests are enjoying local tours on zipline adventures, exclusive beach visits, shopping, swimming in our pools and dining in our gourmet restaurant with mariachis playing. Staff are tickled and enthusiastic about work every day now and we have been able to add more staff bringing the Hacienda and PV back to life!
Travelers and employees in the hospitality industry are able to feel hope and plan for better times again. The pain of this past year’s pandemic hit workers and cities in the tourism industry hard and some businesses even closed their doors permanently. Our hearts are on the ground for those who’s lives were lost or took unexpected turns. I hope we come back stronger and more aware in a way that we do not take what we have for granted.
A profound appreciation to all who supported us during this past year and to all of our employees who have remained dedicated, patient and hung tough while we all waited for recovery!
This past 8th of March 2019 Puerto Vallarta lost a legend. A woman who so many looked up to. A woman who had philanthropy running through her blood. A controversial mysterious woman who always had a vision and a mission. And………her missions were always accomplished! The world is a better place because of Janice Chatterton who touched so many lives.
Her daughter Paula Castañeda has been left that legacy and like her Mother, it is now her and her children’s mission to make sure Hacienda San Angel continues to thrive, grow and cater to the special guests all who are treated like VIP better than ever now because………….Mom would have wanted that! The doors to Hacienda San Angel are now wide open and Paula and her team of enchanting concierges invite locals and tourists alike to come and view the magic that is still happening in every corner of this iconic destination nestled high up above the church of Guadalupe on the narrow cobble stone streets of Puerto Vallarta where you will find one of the world´s most elegant and romantic luxury boutique hotels.
¨Many thanks to HSA guests for your patronage over the years. And a very sincere thank you to all who have reached out with heartwarming sentiments and stories about my mother. It has taken some time to be able to publicly acknowledge the loss of my Mother, Janice Chatterton, creator and founder of the Hacienda San Angel Boutique Hotel and the Gourmet Restaurant. Mom was an amazing force in her lifetime that is impossible to sum up in words. Daily I walk the paths of the Hacienda enveloped in my Mother’s presence all around me. We are committed to keeping true to my Mother’s vision as she wanted it! My children and I will strive to carry forward Mom’s legacy and beauty of the Hacienda as one of the ways we will keep her spirit alive for all of us. Thanks to my Mother’s passion for antiques, inspiration and ambitious energy, multitudes will continue to bask in the beauty and delight in the flavors of HSA Gourmet for years to come! I am honored to and look forward to meeting more friends and patrons who have shared this vision with my mother. Thank you again for your patronage keeping her memory and legacy alive.
Paula Castañeda
Janice touched so many lives with the creation of a masterpiece of a hotel and opening up the Puerto Vallarta SPCA.
Enjoy some memories and comments from her supporters and friends who were touched by Janice´s passion
Janice Chatterton’s influence in PV was profound, and it goes beyond saving abused and homeless animals. As you well know, there’s lots of science that documents the human animal bond and how our lives are so enriched by having animals be a part of it. Janice understood the importance of reaching young people, knowing that learning to be kind to animals at a young age then is related to being kind to one another. Hacienda San Angel is a special place. The moment you step inside you are hugged by history. A warmth envelopes you, which is Mexican culture from a bygone era. You are surrounded by and living with the furniture and trinkets that are hundreds of years old. Each has their own story, which now you – as a guest – are a part of. It’s true, many of the pieces here were owned by dignitaries and celebrities, maybe even Royalty. The mariachis performing at Hacienda San Angel´s restaurant aren’t “tourist mariachis,” they are the real deal. Not only do they represent excellent musicianship, their strolling performances is what those dignitaries and celebrities might have experienced more than a century ago.
Most of my interaction with Janice has involved dogs, so I find it hard to think of her outside that context. She always had what I describe as understated elegance. Her jewelry was lovely but not flashy or looking like she was looking to show it off. The Hacienda too is elegant with its antiques but not ostentatious. It is so welcoming when people enter, the staff were always friendly and hospitable especially considering that most of the time we were there courtesy of Janice. The offer of a drink on arrival was especially nice. I absolutely love the sound of the church bells chiming. Everything is immaculate, and it is wonderful to crawl between crisp sheets at night. Little touches like robes, slippers, lovely soaps and of course candy at night make it extra special. We love to open the windows to the breezes and sound of people playing music and enjoying each other’s company. The continental breakfasts are delicious and so attractive. It was nice to be able to enjoy them in our suite or with other people downstairs. Honestly, had it not been for Janice’s hospitality we would not have been able to afford the Hacienda. I think that’s probably true of everyone from Alberta who spent time there when bringing dogs back. It was a real treat.
Back to Janice – I spent 5 weeks in the hospital this winter. During that time Janice kept in touch with Bruce, and when I was recovering, she and I chatted by email. It was during this time that she became quite ill, and despite that had to take on part of what I should have been doing. At one time she could hardly get enough breath to take her dogs out in the middle of the night, but still was concerned for me. Another thing….last summer Bruce and I had planned on going down for a week to bring dogs back. Our dog sitter was unavailable so I brought my sister. Sylvia has MS and while it hasn’t had much impact on her mobility Janice was kind to let us stay at Hacienda San Angel. I think Janice was a complex person. I guess we all are. I know she could be tough and demanding, but she was never like that with us. Whenever we said goodbye, she had tears in her eyes and always let us know that our efforts were appreciated.
The restaurant at Hacienda San Angel- was very well run. Food was exceptional, delicious and beautifully presented. The view is lovely. Wait staff were attentive while unobtrusive. One of the nicest places we have ever enjoyed a meal.
Carole Conaway Thom
What didn’t I love about her is the question. Her strength, determination, loyalty, knowledge and her kick ass attitude. She could be gracious and loving or hard as nails. She was always right, had an uncanny sixth sense about things. She was there for me during a difficult time in my life when all seemed lost. Most of all…. when I spent all those months searching for Sydney the Puerto Vallarta SPCA Rescue dog that went lost in Alberta, she believed in me when others had lost hope. Janice always made me feel welcome whether it was in her elegant dining rooms, sitting on her bed chatting like girlfriends or cuddling sick puppies together at the sanctuary. I will miss her always.
Robin McCaffrey
She’s really gone. Pancho sat at her bedroom door and I was sitting on the floor behind him, crying of course. He didn’t cross the threshold; I imagine Janice was sitting on the bed telling Pancho to stay and comfort me. That’s something she would do. I’ll miss you furrever I love you boss
My heart is broken. Today they lay to rest my boss, my friend, my confidant, my mentor, my ‘other’ mom, MY rescuer. At a time in my life when I had no reason at all I found purpose. She gave me purpose. The SPCA PV gave me purpose. I found my passion. My heart started to beat again and it beat hard and fast and strong. I’ve been crying ever since and if you are a rescuer you know why and I wouldn’t forsake one tear. I can’t look around my home without seeing a trace of her in everything. Morado, my heart dog, Chilo, my life, Paz, my breath. Noelle, another ‘challenge’ she entrusted to me to either love forever or love until… One morning I ran and woke you up, I was crying, ‘what’s wrong?’ you asked, ‘nothing i said, I have no pain!’, and you cried with me. I shared everything with you, and you listened. Sometimes you would advise me, sometimes you would shake your head at me, sometimes you would comfort me, sometimes you would cry right along with me. We talked about the wins, the losses, and we shared our regrets. We would argue and yell, and then we would share a dessert. It wasn’t personal, it never was, it was business, serious business, it was rescue. I am the rescuer I am because of you. Because of the opportunities you offered me, because of the love you gave me, because of the passion and fire we shared. ‘Oh god Janice’, I’d say, ‘this is so hard.’ ‘It’s not for sissies’, she said back. ‘Nope, it’s not’. Thank you for giving me my life back. Thank you for every life saved. Thank you for the brutal honesty. Thank you for your love and compassion. Thank you for your never ending generosity. I will miss you forever. I love you so much. How do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume …
Stephanie Dubinsky
Janice, I thought you were invincible and would be my mentor for the rest of my life! My time spent with you at Hacienda San Angel brainstorming about how we could bring more people to the sanctuary while we enjoyed a filet mignon in the restaurant was iconic and I cherish the memories. I know you would be very proud of the work Paula is doing and your staff are working harder than ever in your honor to keep Hacienda San Angel Grand. Every time I visit I say hi to Pancho and he kisses me. He is doing very well, yes missing you but he is getting loads of love. Rest in peace magnificent lady. You are my inspiration. Thank you for letting me serve you. It was and will always be my greatest honor.
Nicole Martin
A past filled with glamour and romance has led to a present brimming with intimate sophistication at hacienda San Angel thanks to the passion of Janice Chatterton and now Paula who will make sure Hacienda San Angel serves you and your loved ones better than ever. You will still be greeted by your furr host Pancho, Janice´s prize poodle who will kiss your hand upon arrival if the concierge has not already led you to your room or dining table to enjoy!
Thank you for sharing in our passion and living the legend created by Janice Chatterton Hacienda San Angel. Follow up dates here.
Offering some of the hotel’s most breathtaking panoramic ocean and city views, our San Jose Suite is a guest favorite. Serene scenery can be seen from both the bed and large window seat, which is ideal for sipping in the city landscape and relaxing.
In addition to its stunning vistas, the San Jose Suite is equipped with a king bed boasting a hand-carved headboard, spacious terrace and sophisticated one-of-a-kind artifacts.
The suite was actually named in honor of one of the room’s artifacts, a painting which features San Jose with Christ Child and a white dove representing the Holy Spirit, crafted during Mexico’s Colonial period, around 1750. Other unique antiques in the suite include a small Mexican armoire from 1900 and a century-old Mexican dresser with the original marble top in which the bathroom sink sits.
For more information or to book the San Jose Suite, visit the Master Suites page here.
November is a stellar month in PV. The summer heat’s abating and the rains are still comfortably in the future. In other words: Perfect Brunch Weather! Yes, the Hacienda’s Sunday deliciousness is back, served in the open air patio of Puerta del Cielo where you’ll be surrounded by the Sierra Madres and serenaded by a strolling violinist. The bay shimmers in the distance as your complimentary mimosa effervesces before you and our chef pulls out all the stops: prime rib, shrimp cocktail, omelets made to order, waffles and crepes, and exquisite salads, divine cheeses and desserts you’ll be happy you saved a modicum of room for. Brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, Sundays only (through Easter) and the price is fixed—329 pesos (less than $20). We think you’ll agree that’s an outstanding trade for a lot of luxe. Non-hotel guests are more than welcome, and everyone will need a reservation. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
There are great advantages to this time of year, one of them being that the sun doesn’t set until 8:30 pm. Meaning? You can fill your days with shopping on the Malecon, zip-lining a few hundred feet over the jungle canopy on one of myriad adventure excursions (our concierge will hook you up), or spend back-to-back hours snoozing in a beach hammock and still have time for a leisurely dip in one of our three pools before that great crimson ball of fire begins its dramatic descent over the Bay.
Of course, there’s no better place to witness a PV sunset than from the terrace of Hacienda San Angel Gourmet, our award-winning open-air restaurant. Chef Eduardo Michaga Lucero’s food, from seared tuna to exquisite filet mignon to sumptuous desserts, is often touted as the best in town—and not just by us! Add in the soft sea breezes and the backdrop of that tequila sunset and there’s not much room for improvement. Keeping in mind that the Hacienda will be closed in July and August, now is the time to make your reservations. And, don’t forget, we dress for dinner, so no t-shirts or flip-flops, please. Let’s show the sun some respect for its dazzling performance!
